Woman kept faith as 7 sons joined armed forces

DAVENPORT, Wash. (AP) -- They call her The Colonel, and for good reason. Bernice Leavitt Jackson has presided over a lot of troops.

Her husband served in the Army during World War Il. And seven of her eight sons have served. Her son, David, an Army staff sergeant, is currently serving his second tour of duty in Iraq.

The Spokesman Review reports their photos hang on the living room wall, surrounded by every variety of patriotic expression imaginable, from flags to personal letters of thanks from a member of Congress, governor and secretary of the Air Force.

She also has brothers, fathers and uncles who served their country. And her grandfather fought and died in the Civil War.

Her husband and sons collected a variety of honors and accolades, and all returned safely from their tours of duty.